SAN DIEGO — Black Santa San Diego is making a big splash this year.
For the first time Black Santa San Diego will participate in the 53rd Annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights for the next two Sundays. He’s trading in his sleigh for a boat to cruise along the Embarcadero to greet about thousands of people attending the iconic event.
“There will be 100,00 people watching and I'm glad to represent,” said Black Santa.
Mrs. Clause will take the reins on the boat for the night. She grew up watching the parade from Shelter Island.
“Now to be able to be in it is just exciting, it's like a lifelong dream come true,” said Justina White, Mrs. Clause.
Black Santa has learned over the years that representation matters.
“As I got older, the African generation wasn't believing in Santa," Black Santa said. "And now, they are starting to believe again,"
He started spreading cheer during the pandemic when he dressed in the red robe, white beard, gloves and black boots for a family photo in Balboa Park.
“Kids kept coming up to me and wanting to take pictures,” said Black Santa in 2021.
This is the third year CBS 8 has been sharing the joy of Black Santa and has seen children enjoy a visit from Black Santa.
“I am happy that I found a Santa that looks like me,” Nuni Sadler in 2021.
Even elderly people are getting into the holiday spirit.
“I had a 90-year-old lady want to come sit on my lap and take pictures,” said Black Santa.
The demand is so high Black Santa has had to turn down some paid and volunteer appearances because he is booked visiting schools, private parties, Christmas eve experiences and brunch every Sunday this month at Louisiana purchase in North Park.
“It’s a feeling that I can't really explain but I think it's well overdue so little kids can see there is a Santa just like them,” said Black Santa.
Awards will be given out for this year's parade theme "Christmas Traditions Around the World." Black Santa drew inspiration to decorate his boat sleigh while he vacationed in the Bahamas over the summer.
“Junkanoo does this huge celebration almost like a Mardi Gras,” said White. “We're going to have a dancer like they do into Bahamas and Caribbean music with Harry Belafonte.”
Keep an eye out for Black Santa, he is float number three in the free parade. It starts at Shelter Island at 5:30 and ends at the Coronado Ferry Landing on December 10 and 17. Black Santa hopes he continues to turn the tide on the spirit of Christmas.
“Growing up it would have been great to see a Santa that looks like me, but Santa is Santa no matter what color he is,” said Black Santa.
To view the parade route click here.
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